Thimphu Tshechu

The Thimphu Tsechu was established by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Gyalsee Tenzin Rabgay in 1867. On that time the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and the Zhana Nga chham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground), and the Tungam chham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities). In the 1950s the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks). These additions added colour and variation to the festival without compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) are enjoyed because they are similar to stage-theater.

To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. Its an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.

Thimphu Dromchoe

Besides the annual three day Tshechu, Thimphu also celebrates a one day festival known as the Thimphu Dromchoe. The day long festival dates back to the 17th century. It was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the Thimphu Tshechu.

The Dromchoe showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. Legend has it, that the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.

 Day 01: Arrive Paro, Drive To Thimphu
(Lunch & Dinner)
Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro.Time permiting visit Bhutan's national museum and majestic Rimpung Dzong. Housed in an old watch tower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress), it is a fascinating place with a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Then, we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet. A spectacular view of Mount. Jumolhari (23,996ft /7314m) can be seen from here.  In the evening you will make the 2 hour drive to the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals, Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sighteeing
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Early in the morning, you can take a self-guided ten-minute walk from the hotel to the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in memory of the third Late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Many Bhutanese people gather here to pray every day. After breakfast, we'll begin sightseeing with a visit to a nunnery on the outskirts of Thimphu. We will then visit the School of Arts and Crafts (or "Painting School") where Bhutanese children follow an eight-year program in traditional arts such as drawing, painting, woodcarving and sculpture. Time permitting, we may also visit the Traditional Hospital of Herbal Medicine or watch the Royal Silversmiths create relief work for the monasteries and see how paper is made from the Daphne plant with cosmos flower petals and other plants. At the end of the day, we may also pay a visit to the great Tashichho Dzong, seat of Bhutan's political and religious administration. Then visit the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum and the Mini Zoo to see the national animal – the Takin.
If your visit falls on weekends then you will be taken to visit the colorful weekend Market held officially on Saturdays and Sundays. Recently, these markets seem to start from late afternoon of Friday. The weekend market in Thimphu is a place where people from daily walks of life come to buy and sell vegetables and items of everyday use providing a great photo opportunity.Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: witness the opening of ThimphuTshecue.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
 A typical opening itinerary would include the following ceremony
Source: Tourism council of Bhutan, www.tourism.gov.bt

• Dance of the Four Stags (Shacham)
• Dance of the Three kinds of Ging (with sticks, swords and drums)
• Dance of the Heroes (Pacham)
• Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Shawa Shachi)
• Dance of the Guitar (Dranyen Cham)

Overnight in Hotel.
 
Day 04: Second day at ThimphuTshecue.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
 A typical second itinerary would include the following ceremony
Source: Tourism council of Bhutan, www.tourism.gov.bt
(Outside the Dzong)

• Dance of the 21 Black Hats (Shana)
• Dance of the 21 Black Hats with Drums (Shana Nga Cham)
• Keycham (Accompaniment dancers)
• Dance of the Nobleman and the Ladies (Phole Mole)
• Dance of the 16 Drum Beaters from Dramitse (Dramitse Ngacham)
• Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Shawa Shachi)

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 05: Day Visit to Punakha
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
In the morning we drive to Punakha, the old winter capital. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 10,000ft/3,048m.  On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m.  The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley.  In the afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the divine mad monk’s temple. It is a beautiful walk through a lovely village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. Provided the head of the monastic order and his monks have not migrated from Thimphu it should be possible to view the inner courtyards of Punakha Dzong. Drive back to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.  

Day 06: Last day at Thimphu Tshecue.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
 
A typical last itinerary would include the following ceremony
Source: Tourism council of Bhutan, www.tourism.gov.bt

• Dance of the Tamshing in Bumthang (Bumthang Tercham)
• Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)
• Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Tshen Gyel)
• Religious Song (Chhoshey).

 In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight in Hotel

Day 07: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
 Drive about nine miles north of Paro town to the trailhead where we start our 1½-hour hike to a Tea House from where we enjoy the great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means "Tiger's Nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700' above the floor of the Paro Valley. Our hike follows a steep switchback trail and serves as a great warm-up for our trek. After a break with tea and cookies, you have the option to sit outside the building and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings. If you feel energetic you can continue another thirty minutes to a closer viewpoint. After lunch at the tea house we descend to the valley floor. Drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8: Paro - Depart
(Breakfast)
After breakfast transfer to the Paro airport for departure to onward destination.
 

 

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